A SENIOR councillor has been convicted of repeatedly staring and gesturing at a frightened teenager on a bus.
Former South Lanarkshire Council deputy leader Jackie Burns drunkenly harassed the 17-year-old during a journey between Hamilton and Larkhall in Lanarkshire.
Labour politician Burns, 52, was making his way home from a drinking session with friends when he got on the last bus to return to his Larkhall home.
The girl and her boyfriend were passengers on the vehicle when Burns began pestering them and attempted to strike up conversation.
The councillor, who is standing for re-election on May 4, was filmed on CCTV as he moved seats while making gestures including licking lips at the couple before approaching them in September last year.
He later got off the bus but police launched an investigation following a complaint from the girl and Burns was charged with breaching the peace.
Burns, of Larkhall, went on trial at Hamilton Sheriff Court where he denied the allegation but was convicted by Sheriff Douglas Brown.
Giving evidence, the girl - who cannot be named for legal reasons - said Burns bizarre behaviour had scared her. She said: “I saw this man at the station who was drunk and decided to sit up the back of the bus.
“He sat a couple of rows in front and the bus left but he was turning round winking, tapping his leg towards me.
Stuart Munro, defending, said: “He was first elected as a councillor in 1990 and believes he is well respected in the community but his name is now tarnished by this to some extent.”
“He is seeking re-election in the upcoming vote next month and is concerned about what impact reporting of this matter may have on that.”
Convicting Burns, Sheriff Brown said: “I was very impressed by the evidence which largely supported the video evidence that was played in court.
“I am satisfied that the accused did commit a breach of the peace.”
Sentence was deferred for reports. Burns refused to comment.
In November 2015 it emerged Burns, who had been involved in axing public toilets, had been was caught urinating in the street by police.
He was spotted in the act in Hamilton town centre and issued a £40 fixed penalty notice by police.
Burns later apologised and said he had been ‘embarrassed’ his actions near the Hamilton Palace nightclub.
ends
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